Specified Skilled Worker Driver Jobs in Japan

Driving jobs for Specified Skilled Workers fall under the automobile transportation field, one of the newer SSW fields. It is divided into truck, taxi and bus categories. Requirements differ by category and are still being refined, so treat this page as an overview and check ssw.go.jp and the relevant ministry pages for current details. In general, you need to pass the automobile transportation skills test for your category and meet a Japanese language requirement, which is higher for taxi and bus work, where you talk with passengers, than for trucks.

The biggest practical hurdle is the licence. You need a Japanese driving licence of the class the vehicle requires, and carrying paying passengers in a taxi or bus requires a second-class licence. People holding a foreign licence usually go through a conversion procedure or take the Japanese test. A preparatory status for a limited period may be available so that you can obtain the licence and complete training in Japan before starting as a driver. Employers must also meet sector-specific requirements, such as holding recognised certifications for working conditions.

A practical tip: before accepting an offer, ask exactly how the company will support your licence process, who pays for driving school, and what happens if you do not pass within the preparatory period. Check shift length, night work, and whether routes are local or long-distance. Because these rules are new, get the key conditions in writing and confirm them against ssw.go.jp rather than relying on verbal explanations.